The world is still reeling from the news of Ash Barty's shock retirement from the world of professional tennis at 25.
The news was revealed on her Instagram account yesterday (March 23) when she posted a video with her former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.
However, some heavy investigation skills have revealed she may have dropped a major clue about her retirement prior to her announcement.
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In her final one-on-one interview before her retirement on Sunrise just a fortnight ago, she revealed she had a 'surprise' in-store.
She said: "At the end of last year, as I always do on December 31, I typically write down my short term and long term goals.
"We've ticked a couple of those off, but I promise you there's still a few of those that we're chasing.
When asked to elaborate on her goals, she said: "I won't tell you that, that will ruin the surprise!"
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Throughout the interview, she talked about enjoying her life away from tennis. In hindsight, the writing seemed to be on the wall.
She said: "Wimbledon for me was always the dream, it was the one I wanted the most, but being able to experience what we did at the Australian Open was spine-tingling.
"It's been a lot to think about, in the last kind of month if anything I've almost switched off from planning what's next and really been in the moment, been really present at home, which has been great."
She went on to state she had been 'reconnecting with a lot of people that I hadn't seen for a few months leading up to the Australian Open'.
The tennis world has reacted with shock but with applause for Ash Barty and her career.
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American tennis legend Serena Williams paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "@ashbarty I can't lie I was sad to read your decision but also happy for your new chapter. Always your fan close up and afar. Sending all my love."
Golden Slam winner Dylan Alcott also lent his support for Barty.
He tweeted: "Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate."
The world waits to see what is next for Ash Barty, who also won the inaugural Women's Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat.
Featured Image Credit: Left Pic/Roger Parker / Alamy. Right Pic/Dave Hewison Sports / Alamy.Topics: Ash Barty, Serena Williams, Dylan Alcott, Australia
